Three-mile no-fly zones for drones

HUNDREDS of thousands of people living near airports are to be banned from flying drones at home, ministers will announce today.

Alongside plans for new ‘stop and search’ powers to tackle pilots of rogue drones and model aircraft, the current 1km (0.6 miles) ‘no fly zone’ around runways will be extended to 5km – just over three miles.

The limit, which air traffic controllers insist is needed to prevent collisions with passenger jets, will be introduced on March 13. Those who ignore it will face up to five years in jail.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling will say: ‘The law is clear that flying a drone near an airport is a serious criminal act.’

Home Secretary Sajid Javid will unveil plans to let police stop and search drone pilots thought to be targeting airports and prisons. This follows the recent drone incursions at Gatwick and Heathrow which grounded flights and caused chaos for passengers.